Friday, April 29, 2011

After crocheting the collar, I went on the search for the perfect fabric. I originally planned to use a vintage sheet, but none of them really popped. And then I found this Liberty of London scarf. I bought it last year at Target (Liberty for cheap!), and I loved the pattern, but the drape was just not working for me. It was much to voluminous to be worn as a scarf - it was strangling me. So it was relegated to the fabric stash, and has now found new life as a top.

My first attempt was a complete fail - I cut the body of the top much too large, and it looked... horrible. Like a mumu, but short. I let it sit for a day or two - let my frustration subside - and then ripped out all the seams and started again.

I cut about 5" off the sides and added a curve to the neckline and back. I gathered the fabric in the front to give it some shape, since I decided against darts. It's completely lined with muslin, so there are no facings. And this time, it worked.

Muslin lining - Can you tell which hem was sewn by me and which was sewn by the nimble-fingered (machine) employees of Target?

The next version will have a thicker collar (better to hide the bra strap), but other than that, it's perfect! I'm planning to wear it with high-waisted skirts - a favorite summer time look that combines the hippie look with a 1930's aesthetic.

And look how good it will look when I'm pregnant*! I will probably never wear it like this.

These pictures (except the hem close-up), were taken by my lovely sister, Meghan. And why do I look so unhappy, you ask? Because it was really bright outside, and my eyes are extremely sensitive. I swear - I like the top, sewing, and Meghan, despite my expression.